Published January 13, 2015
Marine mammal experts euthanized a stranded infant sperm whale after they had rescued it earlier in the day off the Florida Keys.
Marine Mammal Conservancy President Robert Lingenfelser says the decision to euthanize the calf was made after an examination by a marine mammal veterinarian on Monday.
The mammal was less then a week old and severely dehydrated.
Officials say the 12 to 13-foot mammal was located deep in the mangroves on the edge of a small island about five miles southwest of Islamorada.
It was taken to shore and transferred to the conservancy in Key Largo.
Lingenfelser says "It's always disappointing to lose a marine mammal, especially a baby that is just starting out in life."
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